VAR controversy explained: Why Olympiacos goal was disallowed against Barcelona in the Champions League and a penalty was awarded
Published 21/10/2025 at 19:55 GMT+1
VAR threw up another moment of controversy in Barcelona's UEFA Champions League clash with Olympiacos, after ruling out a goal from the visitors to award them a penalty. Ayoub El Kaabi eventually dispatched the spot kick, leading TNT Sports' Adam Virgo to claim that it was "justice served". Olympiacos were left confused by the decision not to let the original strike stand.
'They don't need to check for that!' – VAR confusion as Olympiacos goal ruled out and penalty given
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VAR has thrown up its fair share of controversies since its introduction in 2018.
Few moments have caused more confusion than when Olympiacos had a goal ruled out in their UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona though on Tuesday, as the strike was chalked off just to award the Greek side a penalty.
It led to what must surely be a first in football: supporters cheering when the opposition team were awarded a spot kick.
Trailing 2-0, the visitors thought they had got back into the game when Ayoub El Kaabi rose highest to tidily flick a header into the far bottom corner.
It was a moment of pure joy for the striker, only for the delighted look on his face to become a perplexed one when the referee was sent over to the monitor.
"Sorry, I'm just looking at my A to Z of VAR of what to do next," said Adam Virgo, who was part of the TNT Sports commentary team. "Because it's just going to be another contentious decision."
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Prior to El Kaabi nodding home, the striker had attempted to meet a cross from the left, only for the out-stretched arm of Eric Garcia to divert it away from him.
Despite huge appeals, the referee allowed play to continue as the ball made its way out to the right-hand side of the box.
From there, it was swung back in by ex-Wolves man Daniel Podence, who cleverly used the outside of his boot to send the ball into the danger zone.
El Kaabi met the delivery and expertly tucked home what he thought was his first goal in the Champions League this season.
"He switches off [after appealing for the penalty]," explained Virgo. "Garcia does the same. The difference is, he only needs to keep his eye on the ball - Garcia needs to keep his eye on the ball and the player.
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"Podence with a brilliant outside of the boot ball into the box. It's a brilliant position for the centre forward to pick up.
"[He had] very little opportunity in the first half. I said they had to start well in the first 15 minutes. I tell you what, they've given themselves a massive chance."
The video officials were not happy though. The referee was sent over to the monitor to look at the incident again.
There, he could clearly see that Garcia, who had turned his back on the cross, moved his arm to the ball to prevent El Kaabi from reaching it.
After a few looks, Swiss referee Urs Schnyder decided to award a penalty, much to the anguish of Olympiacos boss Jose Luis Mendilibar.
Commentator Mike Minay explained: "The goal has been chalked off because in the build up; there was a foul by Barcelona via the handball of Eric Garcia.
"[Panagiotis] Retsos the captain wants it explaining. I'm not surprised at that. Pedri probably isn't too bothered in the explanation, because his side get a reprieve for now!"
Thankfully for the visitors, El Kaabi composed himself and managed to convert the penalty, reducing the deficit, albeit briefly, to just a single goal.
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"Justice served there," Virgo said. "That would have been so harsh with the advantage being played, that both teams carried on with it and the goal was scored, and then to be taken back, to then go through a VAR check.
"El Kaabi has a lot to do still, but it's a quality penalty that pays to take it away from Szczesny. In off the post.
"It's given Olympiacos a real lifeline in this game now."
That was about as good as it got for the Greek team though, as they ultimately ended up on the wrong end of a 6-1 thumping.
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